Be Known at Oregon's Christian University

2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Preprofessional Programs

Premedicine/Predental/Preveterinary Program

George Fox University is pleased with the excellent success students have had in gaining admission to medical, dental, and veterinary schools. Students who wish to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine usually select a major in biology or chemistry. They may, however, choose any academic major the university offers as long as they take certain specific courses required by the professional schools. George Fox University offers all of the science and mathematics courses required by the professional schools of the region. Even though specific requirements differ with each medical school, the requirements uniformly include the following:

BIOL 101 General Biology I
BIOL 102 General Biology II
CHEM 211 General Chemistry I
CHEM 212 General Chemistry II
CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry II
PHYS 201 General Physics I
PHYS 202 General Physics II
One year of mathematics, usually fulfilled by MATH 201 and 202, Calculus I and II.

Other highly recommended courses are as follows:
BIOL 310 Developmental Biology
BIOL 322 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
BIOL 330 Animal Physiology
BIOL 350 Genetics
BIOL 370 Microbiology
BIOL 420 Cell Biology
CHEM 310 Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 341 Biochemistry
CHEM 401 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry II

It is important to consult with your academic advisor early in setting up a plan for a strong program. Students should be aware that, in addition to meeting the minimal entrance requirements, good grades (3.5 grade point average or above) and a strong performance on the national admission tests (MCAT, DAT, and VAT, usually taken in the spring of the junior year) are essential. Also necessary for admission are letters of recommendation and an interview with the professional school's admission committee.

Our world needs Christian health professionals strong in character and maturity who have had broad educational and social experiences. George Fox University offers excellent opportunities to build these qualities through academic courses in areas such as ethics, psychology, computer science, literature, history, and foreign languages, and through varied social opportunities.

Prelaw Program

Students considering law school enjoy a wide range of options in their course of study, which can be worked out with their prelaw advisor. The best preparation for law school (and a legal career) emphasizes a broad liberal arts education as an undergraduate. Students need to prepare themselves to understand complex real-world problems from as many perspectives as possible.

Therefore, prelaw students may choose from many different majors, supplementing the major with electives and general education options that stress writing and oral communication skills, logical and critical thinking, close reading of difficult material, and deeper understanding of society and culture. Prelaw students are strongly encouraged to take PSCI 260 Introduction to Law, and to join in activities with other prelaw students.

The university's prelaw advisor will work with students to help design their courses of study, plan for entry into law school, and sponsor events to give students exposure to the law and the legal profession.

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